View of the Palace of Versailles from the Dragon Fountain and Neptune Fountain (1670/1700) by Jean-Baptiste Martin the ElderPalace of Versailles
Our fascination with water is often reflected by its use in architecture and design, most commonly in the form of fountains. Scroll on to explore some of the world's most famous watery masterpieces in three dimensions.
Font Magica de Montjuic
The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc - Barcelona, Spain
The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc is located in the Avinguda Maria Cristina in the Montjuïc neighbourhood of Barcelona, below the Palau Nacional. Built in 1929 for the Barcelona International Exhibition, it sprays 3,000 litres of water up to 51 metres into the air every second.
The fountain was designed by Carles Buigas and the construction involved more than 3,000 workers. The fountain was badly damaged in the Spanish Civil War and did not work again until 1955.
Fountains and water features are popular additions to both public and private spaces, often used to create a sense of drama and movement.
Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain - Rome, Italy
Perhaps the most recognizable fountain in the world, the Trevi fountain is found in the district of the same name in Italy's capital city. Standing 26 metres high and just short of 50 metres wide, it is the largest Baroque fountain in the city.
The fountain's global fame has been increased by starring roles in a number of major movies, including 1953's Roman Holiday and Fellini's classic La Dolce Vita from 1960. The name derives from the Latin word trivium, meaning intersection of three streets, which accurately describes its position in the city.
Often featuring statues and other sculptures, jets of water are often used to frame artwork or even interact with the works .
Ceres Fountain (1672/1679) by Thomas RegnaudinPalace of Versailles
Ceres Fountain - Versailles, France
The Ceres Fountain was constructed between 1672 and 1679 by Thomas Regnaudin, based on a drawing by Charles Le Brun, and located in the grounds of the stunning Palace of Versailles. The fountain features Ceres, the Roman goddess of harvests, who is sitting on a bed of corn stalks.
Ceres is surrounded by cornflowers and roses which are used to symbolise summer. The fountain was designed to sit alongside three others, featuring Bacchus, Flora and Saturn. These represent the other three seasons.
The Orangery, Estate of Versailles by Jules Hardoin-MansardPalace of Versailles
Want to know more about Versailles?
if you would like to know more about the majestic buildings and grounds at the Palace of Versailles, you can take a virtual tour here.
